Craft beer has been steadily gaining popularity in India, with microbreweries emerging as a key player in the market. These small-scale breweries are known for offering fresh, locally brewed beer in a variety of styles and flavors, catering to the diverse tastes of Indian consumers. From fruity IPAs to robust stouts, microbreweries are known for their ability to experiment with new and unique flavor combinations, giving beer enthusiasts an opportunity to sample something different every time they visit.
However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 presented a major challenge for the microbrewery industry, which relies heavily on in-person dining and social gatherings. Many microbreweries were forced to pivot to home delivery services to survive, while others shut down altogether. Despite these setbacks, the popularity of craft beer remained strong, and the industry has continued to grow.
Chetan Kapoor, Deputy General Manager of the hotel, said, “Many people like microbreweries where they can see how the drink is made, rather than having it bottled. We also brought in special brew masters from Europe to help us with the process to make sure that we have the best (beer).”
Now, as the world begins to emerge from the pandemic, food and beverage enthusiasts are looking for new experiences and options, and microbreweries are stepping up to meet the demand. New breweries are opening up across the country, not just in established beer-loving cities like Pune and Bengaluru, but also in other urban centers, offering consumers more choices than ever before.
One such example is the Royal Brewery Bistro, located in Delhi’s Hotel The Royal Plaza. The brewery offers a range of fresh draughts, including a lager, a stout, and two types of witbier – German and Belgian. The limited variety of beers ensures that each batch is brewed to perfection, using only the highest quality ingredients. The restaurant also uses German and Austrian hops and imported yeast from Germany to brew their beer, giving it a distinct and unique flavor.
In addition to beer, the Royal Brewery Bistro also offers a selection of spirits, including whisky, vodka, gin, and rum, as well as a carefully curated food menu designed to complement the drinks. Diners can choose from a range of starters, including kasundi fish tikka, tandoori chicken, and hara bhara kebab, as well as main courses such as glazed chicken breast with sherry shallots and a crunchy sweet potato and cheese burger.
Overall, the growing popularity of craft beer and microbreweries in India is a testament to the country’s evolving food and beverage culture. As consumers become more adventurous in their tastes and seek out new experiences, microbreweries are poised to play an increasingly important role in the industry, offering fresh, locally brewed beer and innovative flavor combinations that are sure to appeal to beer lovers everywhere.
